LINEBACKER TROY DYE TO RETURN FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON – “I think I still have so much left to accomplish, and there is an opportunity to create something special in the year ahead”

Oregon’s leading tackler each of the last three seasons, inside linebacker Troy Dye, announced on Thursday that he will return for his senior season in 2019.

“Not many have the opportunity to play big-time college football. I have truly enjoyed every moment of playing in the best stadium and in front of the best fans in the nation,” Dye said through a release.

“I think I still have so much left to accomplish, and there is an opportunity to create something special in the year ahead. After long conversations with my family and friends, I have decided to return to Oregon for my senior season to capitalize on those opportunities and create unforgettable moments. Go Ducks!”

Dye, a second-team All-Pac-12 Conference pick in both 2017 and 2018, has 313 career tackles and needs 121 tackles as a senior to become the school’s all-time leader. The Norco, Calif., product will enter 2019 with 33 consecutive starts and the Pac-12’s active leader in tackles thanks to leading the Ducks in stops 19 times in 37 career contests.

“Troy impacts our program in so many ways with his passion, leadership and love for the game,” Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal said. “He leads by example and is someone his teammates look up to. Troy is a difference-maker every snap that he is on the field, and his desire to be great helps elevate our culture to the next level. We can’t wait to see his accomplishments during his senior season, and we are thrilled to have him back as the leader of our defense.”

This past season, Dye became the first Oregon player with 100 tackles in back-to-back seasons since Michael Clay (2011-12) and the 15th player in program history to reach 300 career tackles. Dye will be one of just two FBS players, and the only Power 5 player, returning in 2019 to lead his team in tackles each of the last three seasons (91 in 2016, 107 in 2017 and 115 in 2018).

Dye’s return gives the Ducks seven returning starters on the defensive side of the ball. Oregon will also return 10 of 11 starters on offense.